LEARNING TO LIVE TOGETHER IN NORTHERN IRELAND 16th UNESCO-APEID International Conference Anna Murray, Peace and Reconciliation Group, United Kingdom Mika Weinstein, University of Oregon, United States Dr. John Wilson, Developing Performance Potential Pty, Thailand November 22, 2012
Peace and Reconciliation Group Registered charity established in 1976. Mission: "To promote the development of community understanding and cooperation through the delivery of community relations and community development programmes."
Presentation Overview Northern Ireland: Historical and political context Current educational system and barriers to change Peace and Reconciliation Group exemplar: 9000 Years on an Island Proposals for the future
Northern Ireland: Historical & Political Context
Partition in 1921 shifted the power dynamics in Northern Ireland Protestant/British Perspective: Stay in union to maintain power structure Catholic/Irish Perspective: Self determination End discrimination against Catholics Northern Ireland and the rest of the United Kingdom
The Troubles (roughly 1960s - 1990s)
The Troubles caused human devastation and has had lasting consequences Concentrations of conflict fatalities between 1969 and 2001 in Northern Ireland
Segregation exists across societal sectors
Current Educational System & Barriers to Change
Four Main Categories of Schools Controlled Managed by Education and Library Boards; generally Protestant Voluntary Owned and managed by trustees; Generally segregated by religion Maintained Managed by the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools; Catholic Integrated Managed by a Board of Governors; Religiously mixed
Integrated education promotes community cohesion
How does Northern Ireland define integrated education? Equality Faith & Values Parental Involvement Social Responsibility
First Barrier to Change: Government based on power sharing Cross-party support is necessary to pass legislation
Second Barrier to Change: Lack of support for educators Teachers need help overcoming fears: Hidden political agendas Addressing sensitive issues Getting it wrong Backlash from parents
Third Barrier to Change: Inadequate teacher training
Exemplar Program: 9,000 Years on an Island
Program Objectives Address post conflict issues specific to the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland Develop concept of a shared heritage and promote idea of a shared future Build relationships, challenge misconceptions and reduce fears
Program Characteristics Partnership between PRG and the Donegal Education Centre Funded by Special European Union Programmes Body Peace III Eight schools, partnered cross border and cross community Focused on Famine & Emigration, Plantation, and Traditional Music and Dance Active teacher participation
Program Challenges Composite classes in rural areas Substitute teacher costs Travel time Other budget/financial constraints
CAPTION Strategies for Success Consultation with stakeholder institutions Energetic, talented facilitators Ongoing evaluation
Results 200 students and 10 teachers completed the one year partnership activities 1,000 packs distributed to schools, libraries, museums and youth workers Project identified as Model of Excellence and Good Practice by SEUPB
It s an important beginning
Proposals for the Future
Short Term Proposals Secure funding for long term projects Provide more training and support for teachers Update the curriculum
Long Term Proposals Integrate teacher training Integrate more of the education system Reform the governmental structures
Key Takeaways Addressing the impact from the violence has to be part of the solution It s critical to acknowledge the true problem: self confidence, not classroom disputes The creation of resource packs can make a program replicable
Questions? Mika Weinstein mikaweinstein@gmail.com Anna Murray anna@peaceprg.co.uk
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